He said the “routine” burglary call they had been sent to investigate was bogus – and had been made by their killer.

(Image: PA)

Pc Hughes, 23, who lived in Oldham with her mother Susan, had "always wanted to make a difference", her relatives said.

Her mother, father Bryn and younger brother Sam issued a statement saying: "Nicola was our only daughter and a beautiful child. She was always happy with life and lived for her family.

"She had an infectious personality and sense of humour and was a very caring and loving girl. When she left the house this morning she was going to the job she loved."

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Pc Hughes was killed along with colleague Fiona Bone, 32, yesterday.

Arrest: Dale Cregan is being questioned over the officers' deaths (Image: PA)

The Hughes family statement said: "Nicola always wanted to make a difference and, in doing so, she made such a big difference to everyone she knew. She cared about everyone and especially her colleagues.

"Nicola was only 23 years old and had the whole of her life in front of her.

"We cannot express how we feel today except to say we have always been exceedingly proud of Nicola and always will be. She knew she was loved by us all and we shall all miss her dreadfully."